News: Safety alert: Excavators The HSE has issued a safety alert regarding the risk of inadvertent movement of excavators when controls are not isolated. The alert describes how people have been seriously hurt when the driver accidentally touched the joystick causing the digger arm to slew. Using the safety control lever prevents this type of accident. Make all construction workers aware of this safety alert and use it to refresh workers knowledge on good practice when working close to plant. Further information: https://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/excavators-safety-control-lever-isolation-devices.htm News: Fire door guidance Official guidance has been issued by the government covering fire doors on flat entrances, when they are needed and what to check. Further information: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-england-regulations-2022-fire-door-guidance/fire-safety-englandregulations-2022-fire-door-guidance News: Asbestos training This web page outlines the different levels of asbestos training that may be required depending on role and activities. Further information: https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/training.htm News: Easy-read guides The HSE has published a number of “easy-read guides” aimed at those with disabilities and long-term health conditions. Further information: https://www.hse.gov.uk/disability/easy-read-support.htm News: Safe use of concrete pumps This updated guidance provides the minimum requirements for the operation of all types of concrete pumps, including trailer and track-mounted units and placing booms. Further information: https://cpa.uk.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CPA-BCPG-Safe-Use-of-Concrete-Pumps-V3-July-2025.pdf News: The noise gap An HSE inspection campaign has identified disappointing standards in the use of hearing protection. Often hearing protection would be available to staff where it was needed, but there was a lack of instruction to ensure that it was used, stored and maintained. Employers also failed to ensure that emergency signals would be effective to those wearing hearing protection. Further information: https://press.hse.gov.uk/2025/09/10/serious-gaps-found-in-protecting-workers-from-excessive-noise News: Paint spraying to be targeted by HSE HSE inspectors will be visiting 1000 motor vehicle repair businesses across Great Britain, examining in particular how they prevent exposure to isocyanates found within spray paints. Inspectors will be checking on spray booth ventilation, respiratory protection, safe clearance procedures and health surveillance. Further information: https://press.hse.gov.uk/2025/09/24/hse-launches-workplace-safety-inspections-for-motor-vehicle-repair/ News: High-rise buildings: Mandatory occurrence notices and reports This updated guidance is aimed at those responsible for the construction and management of “higher-risk buildings”. (Those over 7 storeys or 18 metres, with 2 or more residential units or used as a hospital or care home). There are a wide range of hazardous situations which must be reported to the Building Safety Regulator. Further information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/submitting-mandatory-occurrence-notices-and-reports News: Growing concern about large battery storage systems The Fire Industry Association has published an article regarding the fire risk from battery storage systems. Further information: https://www.fia.uk.com/news/we-are-playing-with-fire-growing-concerns-over-battery-storage-safety.html News: Batteries cause fires in waste collection Battery-related fires in UK waste facilities and collection vehicles are at their highest incidence rate, with more than 1,200 incidents reported in 2023/24. Further information: https://www.letsrecycle.com/news/esa-battery-fires-reaching-epidemic-levels/ News: How vehicle security barriers may put crowds at risk New guidance aimed at events venues helps managers to minimise unintended crowd management risks which can be caused by introducing vehicle protection barriers. Further information: https://www.npsa.gov.uk/resources/vehicle-security-barriers-event-venues-guidance Case law: Waste firm fined after worker crushed by excavator Farm XS (Northern) Limited, has been fined after a young employee was run over by an excavator and fractured both feet. Photos: